KIds Trails in Mystic Connecticut include family fun & more

Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry

Weaver Road (off Route 44) Storrs, CT 06269 Phone: 860-486-4605

Open: Late April-early November,Friday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Collection of more than 2,000 puppets from the world over. Each exhibition features a different view of the variety of styles and periods in puppetry. Admission: Free; donations accepted.

Kidcity Children's Museum

119 Washington St. Middletown, CT 06457 Phone: 860-347-0495

Open: Sunday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call for holiday schedule.

Whimsical, one-of-a-kind rooms filled with hands-on play and learning, for kids ages 1 to 8 and their grown-ups. Admission: $6 per person.

Lutz Children's Museum

247 S. Main St. (Route 83) Manchester, CT 06040 Phone: 860-643-0949

Open: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Exhibits change frequently and special programs are offered almost daily for children age 2 through 12. Some current exhibits allow kids to climb aboard a plane full of museum artifacts from Africa or race off on a motorcycle; explore the mysteries of the five senses; see rescued animals; and tour a children’s art gallery. Admission: $4.

Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

110 Pequot Trail Mashantucket, CT 06338 Phone: 800) 411-9671

Open: Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., last admission at 3 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving day, December 24 and 25, December 31 and January 1

Permanent exhibits on the Native and natural history of southern New England include a cool descent into a glacial crevasse from 18,000 years ago. Walk through a 1550 Pequot Village. Interactive computer programs, films providing additional information and interpretation of the exhibits. Two research libraries, one for children. Museum store and restaurant. Admission: Adults, $15; seniors, $13; children age 6-15, $10; under 6 free.

Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration

55 Coogan Blvd. Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: 860-572-5955

At this multifaceted museum of marine life, kids and parents may see detailed models of the Titanic; stroke a swimming ray in the Ray Touch Pool; learn about shipwrecks and the technology to explore them; observe the speed, agility, and intelligence of sea lions; and view an Alaskan coast habitat. Check for seasonal changes in hours and programs.

Ocean Beach Park

1225 Ocean Avenue New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-447-3031 Toll-Free: 1-800-510-SAND (7263)

New England's Finest Beach and Boardwalk

This is one of the sandiest and most festive beaches the state offers. Besides the ocean, the park had a large swimming pool and waterslide, rides, mini-golf, a video arcade, and a playground. There is also a nature walk for tranquil outdoor fun. Nightly entertainment schedule includes Classic Car Cruises; kids movies; live magic; and more.